Policy Brief Climate change and natural disasters: Scientific evidence of a possible relation between recent natural disasters and climate change

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There is incontrovertible evidence for natural cycles and variation in the global climate system, but also very strong evidence that certain changes currently taking place are exceedingly unusual and do not fit into natural patterns. The broad consensus is that the observed changes would be highly unlikely without human influence. The significance of this human influence for the discussion here is complex: on the one hand, if there were climate change but no human influence, we may not be able to avert the change through our actions, but would still be wise to adapt to it. However, having established that there is anthropogenic influence, we can both attempt to avert climate disasters and adapt to them. Further, knowing that we are in some measure responsible elevates the moral imperative to act. 

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